D'oh! Fell in love w/ Warwick Sound.

I was at a GC on Friday, played a BO Thumb 5er for kicks. I thought I hated Warwicks. Well, I do, the necks drive me nuts, but the SOUND. I didn't realize that it's pretty much the tone I wanted. Well, the only thing that irked me was the JustaNut (or whatever it is) kept digging into the base of my index finger when I fretted on the first 2 frets, though nothing 5 minutes with a Dremel tool wouldn't fix. Again, the sound, even with my beef with the neck would be a minor quibble in the face of that tone.

I'm such a hypocrite . I might have to actually go and buy a Thumb BO 5er now. Oh the humanity!

- Question: Do you think I should sacifice my neck standards for the sound? Sound, or comfort? I think I could get used to the neck, but is it worth having to get used to something for a sound? Darn Warwick for being disinctive!

Oh...me? I'm no Warwick lover. If it came down to a Warwick or an MTD 535, no contest, the MTD. Or Modulus, or Pedulla, or...see where this is going? I just like the sound. Now if only I could get the non-Warwick Warwick...

You can have that plastic nut replaced with a brass one for about $35. I have found that the brass one is smoother and won't hurt your finger. It will also make your open strings resonate a little better while giving the bass more of a "high end "look. I think you will get used to the neck pretty quick and soon no other bass will do!

Originally posted by Gard Look around for a used Zon Sonus Special. Gets that Thumb tone without being a Thumb. They can be found in the same price range as a new Thumb B/O.

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Excellent advice! This way you get a great-feeling composite neck as well. I just got a used Sonus Special fretless not too long ago (just like my hero Gard). The tone is great with that nice low mid character, and it's a dream to play. Try to look into it!

In fact, I think BassNW has a used fretted Sonus Special for sale right now. Of course, I'm sure you would want to try one out first.

I just picked up a Clover bass that sounds a LOT like a Warwick Dolphin bass. It's got the same pickup configuration. I'm in absolute LOVE with this thing.... the B-string sounds killer with the 36-inch scale graphite neck, too.

Oops, did I just use this post to express my joy over my recent purchase?... Methinks I did!

Yeah, the Thumbs have a pretty killer tone. I just didn't like that tiny little body and the fact that the headstock likes to dive south when you let go of the neck. That is probably the ONLY reason I don't have one right now.

But, now that I have had the chance to play a Streamer Stage II, I know what my choice would be if I were to buy a Warwick. The SSII has it all, IMHO.

I found a used one on Ebay. The guy lived an hour away. It is dead mint, and sounds great. I own an FBass BN5 and love it, but I wanted that Warwick tone.....the tone...wow! it sounds good, but very opposite from the FBass. Kinda like having a Paul and a Strat for g players.

I do have a problem with the neck dive, and my shoulder ligiments are shot. So I gotta modify. I have a set of straplocks that I have a 1 " spacer on the horn lock. This gives a 1+1/2" standoff for the strap. I comes to the 14th fret. It helps, but I may extend it more.

Has anyone had any experience with shaving the chunky neck a little? That would reduce some weight.

Originally posted by Brendan I hear re positioning the bridge strap button higher helps kill the neck dive. Personally, I'm young, I got the arms and the back and the shoulder, I think I can handle some Thumb dive.

And so help me, this is the second time I've really wanted a Thumb. Maybe it was meant to be. It would also really lend to a killer rock stable.

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what about what everyone else said about the Streamers? can they achieve that Thumb tone? or do you really like that little body, and that's the main reason you want the thumb?

I know this should be in Setup forum, but everyone is here already.
How about a belt hook?, like on a Chapman Stick. It would attach by the neck bolts, and hook onto your belt. Anyone know of any makers?

One time a got to play an 80's streamer, and I liked it ALOT better than any other warricks (including thumbs) I've ever tried. I don't know if it was that it was an older one, or that I just like the streamer model better (only streamer I've played).

I don't know if it would be feasible or not (and no way to test it), but you could try getting a DP with all the same woods and electronics as a thumb, but with a smaller neck.